The Federation of Oilseed and Cotton Crushers (FTCIODyARA) has confirmed the strike in defense of rights that they claim are undermined by the government's proposed reform. The federation stated: «We call on the people's representatives not to approve a bill that harms the majority of the population, which is the working class, and benefits a minority that profits from that work». The right to strike, protest, demonstrate, and petition is guaranteed by the National Constitution and is part of the rule of law, the organization emphasized. In response, the chamber representing the industry's companies (CIARA) expressed its rejection of the measure, calling it a 'political strike' and stating that it 'will proceed with all measures established by law'. The federation responded: «We do not know if they are referring to the current law or to the project drafted by their advisors to worsen the working and living conditions of the Argentine working class. In any case, the National Constitution and current law guarantee the right to strike and any legitimate trade union action, so any retaliation by employers will be considered retaliation for the exercise of a right». The federation added: «It is true, as they denounce, that it is a 'strike for political reasons'. It is a measure aimed at ensuring massive mobilization against the approval of a bill that attacks essential labor rights. We intend for the people's representatives not to approve a bill that harms the majority of the population, which is the working class, and benefits a minority that profits from that work». Thus, while the General Confederation of Labor (CGT) has not yet called a general strike, the Oilseed and Cotton Crushers Federation is proceeding with the strike, which is intended to ensure the presence of all workers at the mobilization called by the CGT against the regressive labor reform.
